I’ve been reading a book called “Tough Transitions: Navigating Your Way Through Difficult Times” by Elizabeth Harper Neeld. Basically it’s about, well, tough transitions, which aren’t always bad. This can be anything from a new job, a new kid, a move, retirement, death, anything. It’s a super practical book, easy to read, and has been really helpful for me as I look at next steps in my outer and inner worlds. What’s my transition? Well, I suppose part of it is going from the plan of being a counsellor to not being so sure about that plan. I just started a job last week that I had about 8 years ago…this has been a bit rough. Total change of direction, and that direction often feels like I’m going backwards. It’s kind of full circle, ya know? Had this job, tried several other things, then ran my life around school and counselling, and now I’m back at that job. Uuugh. Most days I have a positive attitude about that, but some days are definitely harder than others. I want to believe that this is just a stepping stone…perhaps a time of preparation for something…but I’m trying to be ok with the possibility that this might just be all there is for me as far as jobs go. We’ll see…Anyhoo, the book has been helpful and I’d recommend it to anyone who is going through a change.
Hope? October 29, 2007
The counselling situations I find the most difficult are the ones where the person does not believe in God, and is not open to the idea of God. The hopeful part of these situations is that these people would even walk through the doors of a church to come and chat with a Christian about their problems. What can I say to a person who is melting down in front of me because they have no hope? It’s “unethical” for me to bring my faith into a counselling session (and I wouldn’t even want to if there is zero openness). That ethical part is one of the things about counselling that drives me crazy sometimes…just when it’s restrictive. Honestly, for me there are few reasons to live if there isn’t God. That’s just me…some people still can’t find a reason to live even with God, which I don’t always understand. I understand that this life is really confusing and just sucks sometimes…I just don’t think it’s about this life. But with no God is there a reason to live? These are the most difficult situations for me. “Where can I find security?” is the question. Ummmm good question. Some days the only thing that I can just barely grasp is the hope for a life beyond this one. If I can get myself thinking beyond myself and my problems, beyond what is visible and more about the reality of God’s reconciling work, I can find at least a glimpse of hope. But when the idea of security is only about money or success, now that’s something I don’t connect with well.
